Electronic- and phonon-terminated laser emission from Ho3+in BaY2F8

Infrared spontaneous and stimulated emission from Ho³⁺in BaY2F8is reported. In addition to the familiar⁵I_{7} rightarrow⁵I8transition at 2 μ,⁵F_{5} rightarrow⁵I5emission at 2.4μ and⁵I_{6} rightarrow⁵I7emission at 2.9μ are discussed. There are several unusual features of the 2-μ laser emission. At room temperature, phonon-terminated laser emission is observed at 2.171 μ. At 77 K a complex CW laser output is observed in a wavelength interval lying on the shoulder of a fluorescence line. The complex output is attributed to oscillation in transverse modes of the resonator. Oscillation is not observed in the strongest emission line, despite a large terminal state splitting of 310 cm^-1. These results are explained on the basis of a theory developed earlier for transition metal ion lasers. The validity of the model is supported by demonstrating the tunability through loss modulation predicted by theory. The observation of these effects is made possible by the very low internal scattering loss in the crystals. The⁵F_{5} rightarrow⁵I5laser lines near 2.4 μ represent relatively low gain transitions with pulse durations limited by accumulation in a longer lived terminal state. The dynamics of laser emission indicate the possible absence of thermal equilibrium in the excited state. For the 2.9-μ transition the bottleneck posed by a longer lived terminal state may be eliminated by the addition of Eu³⁺or Pr³⁺, but laser emission could not be obtained.     

Pulsed laser action in LiYF4:Er3+, Ho3+at 77°K

Pulsed laser action at 77°K has been demonstrated in LiYF4:Er³⁺, Ho³⁺with an emission wavelength of 2.066 μ. The laser transition is the⁵I_{7} rightarrow⁵I8in trivalent holmium, and there is evidence of energy transfer from erbium to holmium. The fluorescent lifetime is approximately 20 ms, and the pulsed threshold is 40 joules.     

Deep red laser emission in Ho:YLF

Laser operation of the⁵S2→⁵I7transition in 2 percent Ho:YLF at room temperature is reported. Oscillations atlambda = 750nm were obtained in flashlamp and dye laser pumped experiments. Thresholds of 4 J/cm and3 times 10^{-4}J/cm were observed in flashlamp and laser pumped operation, respectively. The 750-nm transition in the Ho:YLF is a four-level laser with a stimulated emission cross section ofsigma = 9.7 times 10^{-19}cm².     

Laser diode-pumped holmium-doped fluorozirconate glass fiber laserin the green (λ~544-549 nm): power conversion efficiency, pumpacceptance bandwidth, and excited-state kinetics

The green (544-549 nm) Ho-doped fluorozirconate (ZBLAN) glass fiber laser, pumped in the red (λ~6;15 nm) by a high-power (~30 mW) InGaAlP laser diode or a ring dye-laser, has been characterized with regard to power conversion efficiency, fiber core-diameter and length, cavity output coupling, and pump acceptance bandwidth. Fibers doped with ~1200 ppm (by weight) of Ho and having core diameters of 1.7, 3, and 11 μm, and lengths ranging from 12.5 to 86 cm, have been studied in Fabry-Perot resonators having output couplings ranging from 1.545 to 96%. For a 1.7-μm core-diameter fiber, 21 cm in length, the threshold-launched pump power for the diode-pumped fiber laser is 1.9 and 3.5 mW for cavity output couplings of 1.5% and 24%, respectively. These values are the lowest for any upconversion-pumped fiber laser reported to date. Also, the noise and threshold-pumping power properties of the diode-pumped fiber laser are superior to those for its dye-laser-pumped counterpart. The highest laser slope efficiency (>22% with respect to launched pump power) was measured for a 3-μm core-diameter fiber and a cavity output coupling of 24%. The spectral interval over which the launched threshold pump power for this laser is <10 mW is almost 20 nm (637-656 nm). Studies of the fiber laser waveform as a function of pump power reveal competition for population between the ⁵S² and ⁵F₄ states and among the Stark sublevels of the ⁵F₄ manifold. Also, measurements of the output power on individual laser lines of the ⁵F₄, ⁵S₂→ ⁵I₈ (ground) transitions of Ho³⁺:ZBLAN as a function of pump power demonstrate the existence of a loss mechanism at the fiber laser wavelength, presumably due to absorption from ground or the ⁵I_y, ⁶S₂ or ⁵F₄ excited states of the ion     

Efficient gain-switched operation of a Tm-doped silica fiber laser

We present the results from experiments relating to a gain-switched Tm-doped silica fiber laser in which a gain-switched Nd:YAG laser is used to pump the ³H₅ energy level of the Tm³⁺ dopant ion. This fiber laser configuration is the first example to our knowledge of a moderate energy gain-switched fiber laser which is pumped with a low-repetition-rate high-energy pulsed laser. For a near-optimized cavity, the gain-switched fiber laser produces a maximum pulse energy of 1.46 mJ at a maximum linear slope efficiency of 20% and a total optical-to-optical efficiency (with respect to the launched energy) of 19%. At low pump energies, the slope efficiency is approximately 40%, however, saturation of the output pulse energy is observed with the increase in the launched pump energy. We also present results from a numerical model that simulates ³H ₅-band pumping and includes all of the known pump excited-state absorption (ESA) mechanisms and, in addition, four cross-relaxation mechanisms have also been included. The calculations establish that the pump ESA mechanism contributes only a small loss factor to the overall efficiency of the laser when the Tm-doped silica fiber laser is pumped at low pump energies, however, as the pump energy is increased, losses due to pump ESA limit the amount of output energy from the fiber laser. The loss mechanism is mainly attributed to pump ESA from the ³H₄ upper laser level to the combined ³F_2,3 energy level at low launched pump energies because of the large absorption cross section for this transition and the relatively long lifetime of the ³H₄ energy level. For harder pumping conditions, the majority of the excited state population resides in the ¹G₄ level, inhibiting in some laser configurations gain-switching of the fiber laser until cessation of the pump pulse itself     

Optical absorption and stimulated emission of neodymium in yttriumorthosilicate

A spectroscopic investigation of the biaxial crystal yttrium orthosilicate doped with Nd³⁺(Nd³⁺:Y₂SiO₅) has been performed. Spectrally and orientationally resolved emission cross sections necessary for the evaluation of laser performance on the Nd^{3+ 4}F_3/2-⁴I _9/2 and ⁴F_3/2-⁴I_11/2 transitions have been determined. The Judd-Ofelt theory has been applied to measured values of optical absorption line strengths to obtain the orientation averaged intensity parameters: Ω₂-3.34×10^-20 cm², Ω ₄=4.35×10^-20 cm², and Ω₆=5.60×10^-20 cm². These Judd-Ofelt intensity parameter values are significantly different from those previously reported by A.M. Tkachuk et al. Using these intensity parameters, the Nd^{3+ 4}F₂ metastable state lifetime is predicted to be 225 μs. Measured low Nd concentration ⁴F_3/2 lifetimes of 214 μs indicate a high radiative quantum efficiency. Because of the Stark level splitting of the Nd^{3+ 4}F_3/2 and ⁴I_9/2 manifolds, laser operation at twice one of the Cs atomic resonance filter acceptance wavelengths is possible     

Continuous-wave laser action in Er3+:YLF at 3.41 μm

Continuous-wave laser emission at 3.41 μm from an erbium-doped LiYF₄ crystal (Er³⁺:YLF) at 77 K is demonstrated. Operation of this four-level laser is based on the Er^{3+ 4}F_9/2-⁴I_9/2 transition. An output power of 12 mW and a slope efficiency of 2% have been achieved     

CW operation of a 1.064-μm pumped Tm-Ho-doped silica fiber laser

The results from experiments relating to the CW operation of a Tm-Ho-doped silica fiber laser which is pumped with the fundamental output from a Nd:YAG laser are presented. The measured maximum output power from the fiber laser of 11 mW was generated at a slope efficiency of approximately 1.8% for a fiber length of 0.574 m and an output coupling of 10%. An output wavelength of 2170 nm (one of the longest lasing wavelengths to be achieved with the use of a silica host material) was also generated from the Tm-Ho-doped fiber laser when the fiber length was extended to 1.240 m and a 5% output coupling incorporated. The reduced efficiency and increased threshold for the Nd:YAG-pumped Tm-Ho-doped silica fiber laser when compared to previous reports of Ti:sapphire pumping is discussed in detail with the aid of a comprehensive numerical model. The numerical model solves the rate equations for the Tm-Ho-doped silica fiber laser system by taking into account the cross relaxation, energy transfer, and upconversion mechanisms, and it utilizes all published spectroscopic parameters relevant to Tm-Ho-doped silica and Tm-Ho:ZBLAN glass materials. It is established that the excited state absorption relevant to Nd:YAG pumping severely depletes the ³H₄ energy level of Tm³⁺ and consequently hinders the energy transfer process to the ⁵I₇ energy level of Ho³⁺. Optimum dopant concentrations are also established for both Nd:YAG and Ti:sapphire pump schemes     

Spectroscopy and lasing of a high Nd concentration Al-phosphate glass

An Al-phosphate glass containing Nd³⁺in concentrations ranging from3 times 10^{20}to2.7 times 10^{21}ions/cm³has been prepared and investigated spectroscopically. Different ways of measuring the⁴F3/2→⁴I9/2emission cross sections yield values between1.96 times 10^{-20}and2.7 times 10^{-20}cm². At the highest concentration the decay time is 50 μs, while the radiative lifetime is estimated to begeq446 mus. Lasing experiments were performed by pumping thin platelets of glass coaxially with a dye laser. Cross sections, losses, and differential efficiencies are derived from these experiments. The status of high concentration glasses versus stoichiometric Nd compounds is reviewed.     

Energy recycling versus lifetime quenching in erbium-doped 3-μmfiber lasers

Based on recently published spectroscopic measurements of the relevant energy-transfer parameters, we performed a detailed analysis of the population mechanisms and the characteristics of the output from Er ³⁺-singly-doped and Er³⁺, Pr³⁺-codoped ZBLAN fiber lasers operating at 3 μm, for various Er³⁺ concentrations and pump powers. Whereas both approaches resulted in similar laser performance at Er³⁺ concentrations <4 mol.% and pump powers <10 W absorbed, it is theoretically shown here that the Er³⁺-singly-doped system will be advantageous for higher Er³⁺ concentrations and pump powers. In this case, energy recycling by energy-transfer upconversion from the lower to the upper laser level can increase the slope efficiency to values greater than the Stokes efficiency, as is associated with a number of Er³⁺-doped crystal lasers. Output powers at 3 μm on the order of 10 W are predicted     

Further investigations of a 2-μm Tm:YVO4 laser

The performance of a Tm:YVO₄ laser has been optimized by varying the thickness of the laser crystal and the reflectivity of the output coupler. This has led to the measurement of a slope efficiency of 48% for the laser output. Formulas describing the saturation of the pump and the upper laser level in the presence of up-conversion loss have been developed. Fitting of the experimental data to the saturation curves calculated using these formulas has yielded an up-conversion rate constant from ³F₄ to ³ H₅ of 2·10^-18 cm³ s^-1      

Experimental study of gain and output coupling characteristics of aCW chemical oxygen-iodine laser

Gain and output coupling characteristics of the CW chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) are determined experimentally by means of varying the output coupling method. Under the conditions that the Cl₂ flow rate is 11.8 mmol/s, the I₂ molar flow rate is from 20 to 50 μmol/s, and the duct pressure is 200 Pa, the following were obtained from the experimental data: maximum values of output power of 58 W, and optimal output coupling factor of 1.50%, a resonator efficiency of 4.8%, an unsaturated small-signal gain of 1.55×10^-3 cm^-1, a threshold small-signal gain of 1.31×10^-3 cm^-1, a saturation intensity of 1150 W/cm², intraresonator losses of 9%, and an atomic iodine concentration of 2.85×10¹⁴ cm^-3. A comparison of these results to the published data of other COIL systems is presented     

Room-temperature CW laser operation at ~1.55 μm (eye-safe range)of Yb:Er and Yb:Er:Ce:Ca2Al2SiO7crystals

Room-temperature CW laser operation at 1.55 μm of Yb:Er:Ca₂Al₂SiO₇ (CAS) single crystal pumped at 940 nm and 975 nm has been achieved for the first time. Introduction of a third doping ion, Ce³⁺, decreases the Er ³⁺⁴I_11/2 excited-state lifetime and improves the laser properties. For Yb:Er:Ce:CAS single crystal, a maximum of 20 mW output power is produced for 285 mW absorbed power. With this material, a low threshold of 20 mW and a relatively high slope efficiency of ~5.5% are obtained. Preliminary results indicate possible improvement in the near future. Experimental threshold values and laser properties of CAS crystals with various compositions are in good agreement with calculations, performed using the rate-equations modeling. Comparison with a Yb:Er:phosphate glass laser is also presented     

Er:GSGG 晶体的光谱性质分析及激光特性模拟研究

测试和分析了Er:GSGG的吸收光谱和荧光光谱。应用Judd-Ofelt理论计算了Er3+的强度参数、自发辐射跃迁几率、能级寿命、荧光分支比和吸收截面。结果表明,Er3+在4I13/2和4I11/2能级有较长的能级寿命,在966nm和790nm处有较大的吸收截面,在2.79µm处有较大的积分发射截面值,数值模拟了在966nm泵浦下激光输出特性,在泵浦速率达到一定值时,有较高的量子效率。结果表明Er:GSGG有望成为2.79µm波段的理想激光晶体。     

On the dynamics of population inversion for 3 μm Er3+lasers

A generalized model for 3-μm (⁴I_11/2 →⁴I_13/2)Er lasers is proposed. The essential energy transfer processes present in the single-doped Er ³⁺ systems (up-conversion from ⁴I_13/2, up-conversion from ⁴ I_11/2, cross-relaxation from ⁴S _3/2), as well as those present in Cr³⁺ codoped Er ³⁺ systems, are taken into account. In the frame of this model, the main features of 3 μm Er³⁺ lasers, such as long pulse or CW operation, the change of emission wavelength as a function of pumping conditions, and the effects of codoping with Ho³⁺ or Tm³⁺ ions, are explained     

1.55-μm Ce,Er:ZBLAN fiber laser operation under 980-nm pumping:experiment and simulation

Fiber laser operating property at 1.55-μm band in a newly developed Ce,Er:ZBLAN fiber by a continuous-wave laser diode pumping at 980 nm is presented. The output characteristics of the Ce,Er:ZBLAN fiber laser system are analyzed in detail based on the rate equations model by taking into account the energy transfer between Ce³⁺ and Er ³⁺ ions, as well as the upconversion mechanisms. The promotion role of the Ce in the erbium-doped ZBLAN for the 1.55-μm band fiber laser operation has been realized     

Diode-pumped ytterbium-doped Sr5(PO4)3F laser performance

The performance of the first diode-pumped Yb³⁺-doped Sr ₅(PO₄)₃F (Yb:S-FAP) solid-state laser is discussed. An InGaAs diode array has been fabricated that has suitable specifications for pumping a 3×3×30 mm Yb:S-FAP rod. The saturation fluence for diode pumping was deduced to be 5.5 J/cm ² for the particular 2.8 kW peak power diode array utilized in our studies. This is 2.5× higher than the intrinsic 2.2 J/cm ² saturation fluence as is attributed to the 6.5 nm bandwidth of our diode pump array. The small signal gain is consistent with the previously measured emission cross section of 6.0×10^-20 cm², obtained from a narrowband-laser pumped gain experiment. Up to 1.7 J/cm³ of stored energy density was achieved in a 6×6×44 mm Yb:S-FAP amplifier rod. In a free running configuration, diode-pumped slope efficiencies up to 43% (laser output energy/absorbed pump energy) were observed with output energies up to ~0.5 J per 1 ms pulse. When the rod was mounted in a copper block for cooling, 13 W of average power was produced with power supply limited operation at 70 Hz with 500 μs pulses     

Measurements of intrinsic efficiency and parameters of an electronbeam pumped ArXe laser

Measurements of the output energy and intrinsic efficiency of an electron-beam-pumped ArXe laser operating on the 1.73-μm line are reported. A 220-kV electron beam was used to pump either an 11×11×50 cm³ or an 11×11×25 cm³ active volume. Small-signal gain, nonsaturable loss, and saturation flux were deduced from a Rigrod analysis of the output energies as a function of output coupler reflectivity. Electron beam pump powers ranging from 2.2 to 16.2 kW/cm³ were employed. At a pump power of 2.2 kW/cm³ a small signal of 0.035 cm^-1 , a gain-to-loss ratio of 272, and a saturation flux of 2.1 kW/cm ² were determined. Intrinsic efficiencies of 4% were obtained at the lower pump powers. From the measurements of the laser output it is clear that the secondary electrons have a significant impact on the laser kinetics and efficiency     

Relaxation of CO2laser levels by collisions with foreign gases

Relaxation time of the 00⁰1 upper and 10⁰0 lower CO2laser levels as a function of H2O, CO, and Xe gas pressure has been measured using the afterglow pulse-gain technique. Lifetime data for these gas mixtures and also for mixtures of CO2, CO2-H2, CO2-He, and CO2-N2, obtained previously, are analyzed and compared with available ultrasonic and fluorescence data. Results indicate that the 10⁰0 and 01¹0 levels of CO2are strongly coupled and depletion of the lower laser level population is essentially limited by the relaxation rate of the 01¹0 level. Other processes involving energy exchange between CO2and foreign gases are detailed.     

Characterization and control of gamma and proton radiation effectson the performance of Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF lasers

The laser performance of Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF crystals longitudinally pumped at 800 mm was evaluated before and after exposure to ⁶⁰Co gamma rays and high energy (30-50 MeV) protons. Both forms of radiation created the same damage centers in the respective crystals, which reduced optimal output primarily by absorbing the laser emission. While the radiation induced loss at the lasing wavelength for high quality Nd:YAG reached a limiting value of ~0.015 cm^-1 at 100 krad exposure levels, the loss in Nd:YLF was significantly larger than in Nd:YAG for all comparable dosage levels, and did not appear to have a limiting value. Given the relatively short path lengths of the laser crystals that were tested, the loss could be overcome for both materials under pulse-pumped operation, demonstrating that certain Nd lasers can be effectively radiation hard by design. Additionally, for the first time, Cr³⁺ was codoped with Nd in YAG (with minimal Cr⁴⁺ formation) yielding a high performance material with a significantly reduced radiation susceptibility